Culture
2023-10-06
6 ways to experience the art of living in Marrakech
- Culture
- 2023-10-06
Marrakech, the red city, is a destination that has fascinated and inspired visitors for centuries. Its unique way of life, a blend of Berber, Arab and African influences, leaves no one indifferent. To discover this historic city from a more authentic angle, it's essential to immerse yourself in its customs and way of life. In this article, we'll guide you through 6 key stages to experience the art of living in Marrakech in a deeper way, by encountering its traditions, gastronomy, architecture and culture. Follow the guide!
Treat yourself to a moment of well-being in the hammam
If you'd like to observe the typical customs of Marrakech, don't miss out on the unique experience offered by the hammams! Hammams are traditional public baths that are a veritable institution in Moroccan culture. When you step through the doors of a hammam, you are immersed in a relaxing and soothing atmosphere, where heat and steam envelop you. You can enjoy a traditional scrub for soft, purified skin, while chatting with the locals. Hammams are a true symbol of Moroccan culture, giving you an authentic and relaxing experience.
To find a hammam in Marrakech, take a stroll through the streets of the Medina, the historic quarter. You'll be spoilt for choice, as there are so many traditional hammams in the city. Take your time to choose the one that suits you best, depending on the atmosphere you're looking for and the treatments on offer.
Taste a rich and varied culinary experience
Taste the art of Moroccan cuisine during your stay. Marrakech's cuisine offers an extraordinary taste experience, with dishes that are as colourful as they are fragrant. Tajines, couscous, pastillas and briouates are local specialities, but there's much more to discover. Moroccan pastries and the famous mint tea await you at virtually every street corner.
The diversity of this cuisine reflects the rich culinary traditions of southern Morocco. It combines Berber, Andalusian and Arab influences, offering an incomparable range of flavours. We recommend that you try the emblematic Tanjia dish, but don't hesitate to sample other local specialities such as Medfouna or Khoubiza. One thing's for sure: Marrakech cuisine will delight your senses and give you a different perspective on the city. It's a true art of living!
Adopt the Marrakchi sense of humour
The red city is a city where courtesy and hospitality are essential values! The people of Marrakech are renowned for their warm welcome and their great joie de vivre. You'll feel right at home from the moment you arrive and meet people who will take the time to listen to you, help you and make you laugh. A sense of humour is much appreciated here, and the Marrakchis are very good at it.
The souks of Marrakech are places where you can spend hours wandering the aisles, admiring the handicrafts and chatting to the merchants. They are known for their repartee, humour and open-mindedness. Trade and tourism have enhanced this warm welcome. You'll be amazed by their kindness, and you're sure to make friends and have some memorable experiences during your stay in Marrakech. Don't forget to joke and haggle!
Dancing to the rhythm of the Marrakchia Dakka
Don't miss out on the music and dance during your stay either! The locals are passionate about music and consider the dakka, a ritual musical form of Marrakech folklore, to be a symbol of their city.
If you're lucky enough to attend an Achoura festival, you'll be in for a very special experience. The city's neighbourhoods compete to put on the best show for visitors, and the night is often punctuated by frenetic dancing and spellbinding singing. In short, soak up the musical culture to experience life in Marrakech! Don't hesitate to join the locals in dancing and singing.
Gathering around a Nzaha
Let yourself be tempted by the Nzaha experience. This ancestral tradition consists of a picnic outing in groups, with friends or family, in search of coolness in the shade of wooded areas or near streams. The people of Marrakech have preserved this tradition to the present day, and invite you to join them for moments of joy and jubilation.
The olive groves of the Menara, the gardens of Agdal and the Ourika or Moulay Brahim valleys are ideal destinations for this typical experience. Soak up the enchanting atmosphere around the imperial city as you savour traditional dishes and listen to local music.
Getting around on two wheels
Why not discover Marrakech in a different way? Accompanied by a guide, opt for a bicycle or motorbike, which are an integral part of the local culture. In doing so, you'll see the city from a different angle! Since the time of the Protectorate, the bicycle has become an important means of getting around the Medina, as has the motorbike for longer journeys.
During your stay, immerse yourself in the daily life of the city's inhabitants by travelling like them. You'll be able to get to places that are cooler in the morning or more peaceful at the end of the day more quickly. Cycling has also become a popular way for tourists to explore the area around the Medina. So saddle up!
